Origins and early research
Founded in 1982 within the Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, the Athena Institute began as the Department of Biology and Society (B&S). Its aim was to integrate societal perspectives into life sciences education. While its initial focus was on enriching natural science education, the department soon recognised the need to establish a complementary research programme.
Early research efforts concentrated on the field of biotechnology and the domain of agriculture, particularly in low and middle income countries. Over the past decades, Athena has broadened its scope to include emerging scientific fields such as nanotechnology and AI, alongside the domains of global health, food, and sustainability.
Interdisciplinary growth
In 2002, the department of Biology and Society joined forces with the Science Communication group, to form the Athena Institute. In 2020, the two sections merged into a single department.
Between 2018 and 2022, Athena expanded its global health department, to further develop research in communicable diseases, safe motherhood, global mental health, and purpose-led transformation in health and sustainability.
In 2021, the Institute for History and Social Aspects of Science, established in 1945 to broaden the intellectual outlook of science students, joined Athena. Eventually, philosophy of science and social aspects of science supplemented history of science, resulting in a group named “General education”. This group’s research in the history of science focused on the interface between science and society in the 19th and 20th century, offering a longer-term perspective on contemporary and future technology and innovation processes.
These unifications and expansions of our research combine inter- and transdisciplinary expertise under one umbrella, strengthening collaborations and offering additional opportunities to integrate research across disciplines. Together, they reinforce the Institute's collective mission to combine wisdom and courageous action - inspired by Greek goddess Athena.
Methodological innovation
As Athena's research department grew, so did its commitment to developing methodologies that reflect its transdisciplinary approach. The Institute continuously develops multi-actor methodologies aimed at shaping research agendas toward greater inclusivity in both policy and practice. This supports research outcomes that are more responsive to societal needs and can be more broadly applied.
Expanding education
Together with an expanding research programme and significant growth in the workforce, Athena's educational portfolio grew. The institute now offers two Master's programmes: Management, Policy Analysis and entrepreneurship in the health and life sciences (MPA), and Research Methods in Global Health (RMGH).
Foundations and leadership
The department’s theoretical background was, and still is, strongly rooted in Science, Technology and Society Studies (STS), and Athena still adheres to the same ideology as more than 40 years ago: connecting science and society for a better tomorrow.
In January 2020, Prof. Dr. Jacqueline Broerse became the new director of the Athena Institute, after retirement of her predecessor Prof. Dr. Joske Bunders in 2019. By the end of 2024, the Athena Management Team comprised: Prof. Dr. Jacqueline Broerse (chair, portfolio valorisation); Dr. Anne Loeber (portfolio research); Prof. Dr. Teun Zuiderent-Jerak (portfolio education); and Drs. Astrid van de Wal-Kooijmans (portfolio operations).
A pioneer’s journey: honouring Joske Bunders
Joske Bunders played a pivotal role in shaping Athena's identity. In the early 1980s, she challenged conventional academic norms by advocating for science for and with society. This idea that science must contribute to societal equity and to the health and well-being of vulnerable groups was highly innovative at the time, and not widely supported in the academic community. Undeterred by academic norms, political power, or existing paradigms, Joske remained committed to amplifying the voices of those often excluded from science and technological development. Over time, Joske’s inspired many, paving the way for others to adopt her approach in their research and education. Eventually her vision to contribute to societal progress became embedded in scientific culture.
What started as a small group of pioneers has grown into over 120 Athenians, all continuing the Institute's unique and adventurous journey.